New legislation aimed at clothing and footwear producers, exporters, and retailers is being proposed in a number of US states, including Massachusetts, California, New York, and Washington. By enforcing disclosure and compliance requirements, such as information on chemicals in products, supply chain transparency, environmental effect, and working conditions, these laws seek to govern the fashion sector. All apparel and footwear sold in each state would be covered by the proposed legislation.
Under Washington’s HB 1107, fashion manufacturers must provide yearly supply chain and environmental disclosures; noncompliance carries fines. By 2026, the state must also develop policies to lessen its effects on the environment.
Targeting big fashion retailers, the New York’s Fashion Act requires rigorous environmental due diligence, including waste management, supply chain mapping, and greenhouse gas reduction goals. Penalties for violators might reach $15,000 per day.
Similar to the New York measure, California’s AB 405 would mandate a thorough environmental due diligence process, but it would place a special emphasis on greenhouse gas reporting for fashion firms with annual sales of $1 billion or more. Fines of up to 2% of worldwide income could be imposed for noncompliance.
Similar to the measures in other jurisdictions, Massachusetts’ H.D. 4220 mandates supply chain transparency, environmental due diligence, and remedy for negative effects. Enforcement would be supervised by the attorney general.
For makers of clothing and footwear, these state rules may result in a substantial patchwork of regulatory requirements. Since none of the aforementioned laws have been approved by their respective legislatures yet, changes may still be made while the legislation is being drafted.
